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Nano Sized Light Switch

F. Mohn/IBM Research-Zurich

Imagine having a switch the size of a molecule. It could control a tiny electric circuit built from single atoms and molecules, utilizing a relatively simple bonding and unbonding mechanism. This particular switch uses an organic molecule that forms a bond with a gold atom, which when bonded allows current to flow through the circuit. If the voltage is changed the bonds break and the flow of current is reduced. This type of technology could start scientists and engineers on the road to making reliable nanosized computers. Now, that would be a small iPod nano.